Mentor: Elizabeth Hamma

Mentor: Elizabeth Hamma

What inspired you to want to work in the corporate arena? I’ve always been motivated toward success with an eye on helping others. I come from a lineage of hard working educators and had the privilege of watching them inspire their students. On the surface, the corporate arena and teaching could not be more different and yet as I grew through the ranks, I realized how these closely align. For my organization and me to be successful, I need to inspire others and help them grow. I’m passionate about talented people and believe that talent placed with the right manager can be very powerful. So what motivates me? People.

What advice do you have for women that want to spark change? One of my favorite quotes sums it up… “Be Humble. Be Hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

What do you feel is the single most pressing issue facing women today and why? I work in a field where only 14% of all General Manager Positions are held by women. From where I sit, the single most pressing issue facing women today it their ability to balance work and home.

Tell us about a women mentor that had helped your journey. I attended a week-long management training program in my early 20’s and had the opportunity to join a group of very experienced women for dinner. They told wonderful stories of their struggles and success. The busiest and most experienced woman in the group who was juggling a demanding position and four young children truly didn’t have time for this casual dinner. She picked up the check and told me to remember to do the same for the women I would lead in the future. It was a powerful moment.